Bullshit on the Internet

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a stark contrast, where "L.A. was dead" until an intimate moment, suggesting a profound personal awakening. This immediate connection is then undercut by the cold, public reality of digital information. The speaker grapples with seeing evidence of a partner's past, or perhaps ongoing, connection to someone else online. This tension is the core emotional conflict: the private, hopeful belief that "you're mine" clashes with the public image that "looks like you love her online." "Modern life" is depicted as a deceptive force, playing "tricks" by presenting curated narratives that feel at odds with personal experience. The speaker is caught between what feels real and what is presented on screens. The repeated chorus, "What do I expect?" and "Why do I even check?" highlights a cycle of self-reproach and self-sabotage. Despite knowing "It's all bullshit on the internet," the speaker can't resist the urge to look, leading to an inevitable emotional crash. This internal conflict, the knowing yet repeating of a painful action, makes the speaker's vulnerability palpable. The raw, conversational language and direct questioning make these lyrics incredibly effective. The bridge, with its mournful repetition of "Everything we are / Everything we could be," underscores a profound sense of loss or uncertainty about the relationship's future. The final shift to "What do you expect" adds a layer of accusation, turning the self-reproach outward and highlighting the partner's role in this digital drama.